As a new school year begins, we invite students, teachers, school staff, bus drivers, administrators, and parents to take part in our Blessing of the Backpacks!

This joyful annual tradition is a special time to gather as a church family and pray for those beginning a new academic year. Bring your backpack—or simply bring yourself—for a prayer of protection, strength, wisdom, kindness, and encouragement.

Together, we will ask God to watch over everyone as they travel to and from school, learn and teach, make new friends, face new challenges, and carry the responsibilities of the year ahead.

All ages are welcome as we begin the new school year surrounded by prayer and the love of our Pender community.

Celebrating Patrick's Ministry at Pender

At the end of August, our Director of Music Ministries, Patrick, will be concluding his time on staff at Pender. We are deeply grateful for his faithful leadership, musical gifts, and dedicated service to our congregation.

Please join us for a farewell luncheon following worship on Sunday, August 30, as we celebrate Patrick's ministry, thank him for the many ways he has enriched our worship, and wish him God's blessings in the next chapter of his journey.



Thank you for helping us express our gratitude and appreciation for Patrick's years of faithful service. We hope you'll join us on August 30 as we celebrate all he has meant to the Pender family.

• August 29, Louise Weller Service at noon
• August 30, Blessing of the Backpacks
• August 30, Patrick's Last Sunday
• August 30, Impact Youth
• August 31, Mary Martha Circle
• September 1, Handbell Rehearsals Resume
• September 1, Pastor Bruce Evening Bible Study
• September 2, AA Open Meeting
• September 3, Pastor Bruce Morning Bible Study
• September 3, Joyful Thursday
• September 3, Choir Rehearsals Resume
• September 8, Handbell Rehearsals Resume
• September 12, Caring Hands
• September 14, Fun With Music Resumes
• September 20, Back to Church Sunday
• September 20, Fellowship Feast/BBQ
• September 20, Kid's Sunday School resumes
• September 27, Church Council
• October 17, Walk to End Hunger
• October 17, Washington Soloists Ensemble Concert 

Weekly Events

• Sunday
• Children's Sunday School Classes on break until September 20. The children will meet in the sanctuary until just after Children's Time. They will then leave for Sunday School with their teachers. We are asking for volunteers to periodically relieve the Sunday School teachers so they may attend the full worship service.
• Youth Sunday School Class at 10:30
• Seeker Adult Sunday School Class meets at 9:00 am.
• Praying Our Faith at 9:00 am.
• The Impact Youth Group at 5:00 pm On break until August 23.
• Monday
• Fun with Music on break until fall.
  Mary Martha Circle, online
• Tuesday
• Handbell rehearsals on break until September 8
• Pastor Bruce Bible Study
• Wednesday
• Ruth Circle, Second Wednesday of the month
• AA Meetings at 6pm
• Thursday
• Pastor Bruce Bible Study
• Lectio Divina Prayer Group
• Choir Rehearsal on break until fall

Check here for other meetings.

Louise Weller's Service will be held on Saturday, August 29 at noon with a reception to follow.

Louise Schulz Weller, 100 years old, of Fairfax, VA, passed away peacefully at her home on July 7, 2026, with her two younger daughters and her only granddaughter by her side.

Louise was born on February 17, 1926 in Newport, Rhode Island to Otto Paul Oswald Schulz and Laura Schulz (Whittaker). She spent her childhood living in Hamilton, Massachusetts before moving back to Newport in 1938. She graduated from Rodgers High School in 1943 as a proud member of the Rhode Island Honor Society.

She moved to Virginia in 1949, accepting a job as a typist at the Navy Annex in Arlington. She later worked at Fort Myer and Fort Belvoir before accepting a job at the Pentagon in 1956. She spent the next 18 years at the Pentagon before retiring in 1974 after 27 years of Civil Service with the Department of Defense.

Louise was known for her intelligence, generosity, and creativity. She was a gifted storyteller and had a sharp memory with incredible attention to detail. She could tell the most interesting stories and could make a new friend anywhere she went.

She loved gardening; building KOI ponds that she designed. She had amazing sewing skills. She sewed all three of her daughters and granddaughter's clothes until they reached high school. She was very skilled at knitting and crocheting many items which she gave away. She taught herself many skills, from electrica work, stone work, plumbing and building with wood. She built many huge fish-pools for her hundreds of KOI. Her largest KOI may be seen at the Meadowlark Botanical Gardens located in Vienna,VA.

Louise planned vacations every summer, driving her station wagon with her mother and her two younger daughters to 43 states and to Eastern and Western Canada,

Louise is survived by her three daughters, Dianne Stevenson (Len) of Visalia, CA; Patricia Siverson (Rolf) of Glade Hill, VA; and Susan Pierce (Tom) of Fairfax, VA; four grandchildren; Heather Eckstein (Jason), Paul Brownell, Erik Siverson, and Nicholas Siverson; and 8 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband of 43 years, Burton Weller; her brother, Paul Schulz; her sister, Edith Mathews; and three grandsons.

Louise will be greatly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her memory and legacy will live on in the strong daughters she raised; the flowers that she planted that will continue to bloom; the many friendships she made; the daughter, granddaughter and great granddaughter who share her name Louise; and the family she leaves behind who know they will see her again one day.

Items below:

• Neighborhood Food Pantry
• WFCM News
• How to add events to the Church Calendar
• Upcoming Events: Back to Church Sunday and more.
• Financial News
• Police Rest Stop
• Pender Hill School

This Sunday will signal a change of season at Pender UMC. Patrick King, our Music Director for nearly three years, will conclude his time leading us in music and worship to pursue the career for which he has long been preparing himself. Anyone who has been privileged to get to know Patrick understands that both his time with us and his departure are in service to the call of God on his life. Having served as a church worship and music leader since his youth, Patrick is now following the call of God that will have him share his talents in the music and film world. Most important, this will give him an opportunity to witness to Christ where his name is not always spoken. With his academic training completed, Patrick and Kameron will follow the Lord’s lead into new spheres of influence as ambassadors of Christ Jesus in the wider world.

This Sunday we will be blessed by Patrick's ministry one last time. Our service will include special music he has selected for the day. Following the service, we will share a delicious meal including a potato and salad bar and take time to express our love and appreciation for Patrick and Kameron, and their family. If you have not already done so, you may wish to contribute to a love offering for Patrick on our website.

In this change of season, Pender will not be left without capable and faithful musical leadership. Jane McKee, feeling the call of God on her life, will step into the position of music leader. She will also help me in planning and preparing our worship going forward. As with any change of leadership, things will naturally look somewhat different going forward. At the same time, with the input and blessing of our worship committee, Pender will continue to present blended services of worship, traditional and contemporary, that draw upon the rich variety of musical gifts among us.  

As in the seasons of earth, there are seasonal changes in the Body of Christ. Even as we give thanks for Patrick’s ministry among us, and pray God’s blessing upon him, we are grateful also for God’s call on Jane’s life to serve Christ and his church in a new season at Pender. Best of all, the Lord is in all our changes. Those who seek the Lord together with heart, soul, mind, and strength will always experience and benefit from each new season of God’s grace.

Pastor Bruce  

For many churches, fall feels like a reset. School is back in session. Summer travel slows down. Choir rehearsals, Bible studies, children’s ministries, and service projects begin filling the calendar again. Families start rebuilding routines, and many people who were in and out during the summer begin thinking about coming back to worship.

Before they do, many of them are asking one question.

Will it feel awkward to return?

This matters more than many churches realize. Most people do not need a stronger pitch. They need to know they can walk back in without feeling embarrassed, singled out, or behind.

Life interrupts church attendance for all kinds of reasons. A family takes a few weekend trips, a parent spends weeks helping an aging parent after a hospital stay, work schedules change, or someone gets out of the habit and is not sure how to start again. Absence does not always mean disinterest. Sometimes it simply means life got crowded.

Send the right message

That is why it helps when churches make returning feel normal. A line like, “Whether you have been away for a few weeks or much longer, we would be glad to see you this Sunday,” gives people room to come back without having to explain themselves. It lowers the pressure and tells them they are welcome now regardless of why they’ve been away.

The same principle applies to fall ministry programming. This time of year often brings a new sermon series, small groups, children’s activities, choir rehearsals, and service opportunities. It is easy for every message to sound urgent. But when every announcement says, “Do not miss this,” people who already feel out of rhythm may hear something else. They may hear that they are already late or feel silent pressure to attend every event.

A better approach is to invite people into what is happening now with phrases like:

“Join us this Sunday as we begin a new series.”

“There is still room for you.”

“We would love to welcome you back this fall.”

Those kinds of messages may seem simple, but they focus on the next step in front of someone, not on everything that person has missed.

Communicate changes and expectations clearly

Think beyond the announcement itself. Returning members and visitors are often paying attention to small things long before worship begins. They notice whether the website is current, service times are easy to find, the children’s check-in process is explained clearly, or anyone speaks to them before they have to ask where to go. Those details matter because uncertainty keeps people home.

If worship times changed over the summer, say so clearly. If children are moving to new classrooms this fall, explain where families should go. If you want guests to stop by a welcome desk or scan a QR code for more information, make that easy to understand before Sunday morning. A short email or social post with a few practical details can remove more hesitation than a long paragraph about how much everyone is missed.

The little things count

One of the most encouraging things a returning member can hear is something specific and genuine. “It was good to see you Sunday” is kind. “It was good to see you Sunday. I hope your son is settling in well at college” or “It was good to see you Sunday. How was your family trip to…” feels even warmer. Specificity tells people they are remembered as individuals, not merely noticed as attendance.

That kind of care does not have to be dramatic. In many churches, it looks like a greeter recognizing a familiar face that has not been around in a while, a Sunday school teacher saving a child’s name tag before class starts, or a volunteer walking a grandparent and two children to the right hallway instead of pointing from a distance. These are small moments. People remember them.

Let them ease back in

It is also wise to keep the next step manageable. Fall calendars fill quickly. Parents are balancing school schedules, homework, sports practices, and work demands. Retirees may be caring for grandchildren. College students are adjusting to a new semester. If someone returns after time away, that person may not be ready to sign up for three new things right away.

Sometimes the best invitation is a small one: Come to worship, stay for coffee, visit one class, meet one ministry leader, etc. A simple next step feels possible. A long list can feel exhausting.

Churches can prepare for this before the first busy Sunday arrives. Take a few minutes with greeters, ushers, and ministry leaders to talk through what a returning family might experience in the first ten minutes after arriving. Ask what might feel confusing, what might feel warm, and what might make someone hesitate. Those conversations can reveal a lot.

Make it personal

When someone does come back, notice it. Do not let that Sunday be the end of the interaction. A short note, a brief text, or a quick phone call early the next week can make a real difference. It does not need to be polished. It just needs to be sincere.

Conclusion



Ultimately, helping people return in the fall is less about a strong program and more about a clear, gracious welcome. When churches remove unnecessary pressure, communicate simply, and offer genuine, personal connection, they make it easier for people to take that next step back into community. Fall may feel like a reset, but for many, it is also a quiet invitation. With a little intentionality, churches can ensure that invitation is one people feel comfortable accepting.

From https://www.resourceumc.org/en/content/helping-people-return-to-church-in-the-fall

Back to Church Sunday at Pender — September 20

September 20 is Back to Church Sunday at Pender—and it’s the perfect time to invite a friend, neighbor, or family member to join you!

As we welcome the return of many of Pender’s programs and activities, we’ll celebrate the beginning of a new season with worship, fellowship, food, and fun.

Following worship, we’re kicking off our monthly Fellowship Feasts with a good old-fashioned church barbecue! We’ll provide the main barbecue items, and we’d love for you to help complete the feast by bringing a favorite side dish or dessert to share.

Fellowship Feasts are about more than a meal. They’re a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with friends, welcome new faces, meet someone you may not know yet, and strengthen our Pender family around the table.

Whether you’ve been part of Pender for years, haven’t been here in a while, or are joining us for the very first time, we hope you’ll stay after worship and celebrate with us!

🍽️ Bring a dish to share.

🤝 Bring a friend.

😊 Come ready for fellowship.

Everyone is welcome! We can’t wait to see you at Pender for Back to Church Sunday!

Because you can’t always be there, but God can.

Parenting is a mix of joy and worry. We celebrate our kids’ milestones, but we also lie awake at night wondering if they will make good choices, if they are safe, and if they will follow Jesus. The truth is, no matter how hard we try, there is so much we cannot control.

But prayer changes that. Prayer is where we release our children into the hands of the God who loves them even more than we do. Scripture reminds us, “The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16). When you pray for your kids, you are not just wishing them well, you are inviting God to move powerfully in their lives.

Here are five prayers you can begin praying over your kids today:

1. Pray for Their Salvation

Every parent’s deepest hope is that their child will know Jesus personally. We can guide, teach, and model faith, but only God can open a child’s heart to believe.

Scripture: “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)

Prayer Example:

“Lord, draw my child to You. Open their heart to understand the gospel and give them a desire to follow Jesus. Let their faith be real, lasting, and life-changing.”

2. Pray for Their Protection

We cannot be everywhere with our children, and that can leave us feeling helpless. But God’s presence goes where we cannot.

Scripture: “He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.” (Psalm 91:11)

Prayer Example:

“Father, place Your protection over my child. Guard their mind and heart from the enemy’s lies, and keep them safe physically, emotionally, and spiritually.”

3. Pray for Their Friendships

Friends can build up or tear down. Many parents fear the influence of the wrong crowd, and with good reason.

Scripture: “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.” (Proverbs 13:20)

Prayer Example:

“God, surround my child with wise and godly friends. Remove unhealthy influences from their life and help them to also be a faithful, kind, and encouraging friend to others.

4. Pray for Their Purpose

We long for our kids to live lives of meaning, not just success. They were created for something bigger than themselves.

Scripture: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)

Prayer Example:

“Lord, guide my child into Your calling for their life. Shape their gifts, passions, and choices so they live with courage and purpose that honors You.”

5. Pray for Their Character

We can provide opportunities and success, but only God can shape a child’s heart to look like Jesus.

Scripture: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5:22–23)

Prayer Example:

“Father, grow Christlike character in my child. Help them to love well, live with integrity, and reflect Jesus in the way they speak, act, and treat others.”

You cannot control every choice your child makes, but you can cover them in prayer. Prayer invites God’s power, protection, and promises into their lives.

Handbells are not just for children and teens! We have adult handbell groups for beginner to advanced ringers.  The difficulty level of handbell music is rated from Level 1 (easy) to Level 6 (most difficult). Each of the groups rings 6-8 times in worship between September and June and participates in the annual Christmas handbell concert. 

The groups also like to participate in the various festivals that are held by the regional handbell guild (Handbell Musicians of America – Area 3). Our rehearsals are full of laughing and ringing (sometimes more laughing than ringing!) You do not have to know how to read music to learn how to ring handbells! 

Carillon Ringers group is for ringers who ring Level 2 and Level 3 music.

Carillon Ringers rehearse at 6:45 Tuesday. The handbells will play during the Traditional Service about once every four to six weeks.  

Joy Ringers group is for advanced ringers who ring Level 4 and Level 5 music

Joy Ringers rehearse at 7:30 Tuesday. The handbells will play during the Traditional Service about once every four to six weeks. 

The Pender Sanctuary Choir Is Returning!

Do you love to sing? Pender's choir is restarting under the direction of Jane McKee, and we would love for you to be part of it!

Our first rehearsal will be Thursday, September 3, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary.

All singers are welcome—from high school students through seniors. Whether you are an experienced choir member or simply enjoy singing, there is a place for you!



Come, raise your voice, make new friends, and help us make a joyful noise unto the Lord! 🎶

WFCM Executive Director's Update 

During the month of July, the number of families selecting food in our markets increased as the summer months impact both students' access to food and income earned by 10-month employees working for the school system. 

Summer months are particularly hard for Doris* as she stretches her income earned during the school year to pay her rent and utility bills. Getting food for herself and her two elementary-aged children at WFCM’s Free Food Market helps Doris save more funds to pay for her housing expenses. At her recent appointment Doris shared, “My family is so grateful for WFCM.”

With the increase in families seeking services, and a new process for Fairfax County's Emergency Food and Emergency Housing grants for Fiscal Year 2027 that has delayed grant decisions/awards, I am thankful for several partners who have stepped forward to ensure we have most needed/desired food items in our markets as well as to provide funds for rent and utility assistance. 

Thank you to our partner Wegmans Chantilly for providing 700 containers of pasta sauce and 700 boxes of pasta to stock our shelves during the month of August! Thank you to our new partner, Centra, for funds to provide utility assistance. And thank you to our long-time partner, Expectation Church, for providing thousands of dollars for rent assistance. When asked about the decision to provide funds for rent, Executive Pastor Mike Zizolfo shared,"At Expectation Church, meeting needs is one of the ways we demonstrate the love of Jesus to our community. We're grateful for the opportunity to support our longtime partner, WFCM, and for the meaningful work they continue to do." 

Thank you to Wegmans Chantilly, Centra, Expectation Church, and to each of you who chooses to partner with WFCM. Your support is critical and impactful for thousands of community members! 

God bless,

Harmonie Taddeo, Executive Director

*Name changed for privacy.

~~~

Most needed items in the Free Food Markets this month:

Sugar (1 lb. or 2 lb. bag)

White All-Purpose Flour

Oil (vegetable, canola, olive)

Cereal (low sugar preferred)

Oatmeal (Quaker Oats)

Pancake Mix 

Shelf Stable Juice (apple, cranberry, grape)

Canned Tomatoes (crushed, whole, paste)

Canned Fruit (pineapple, mandarin oranges)

Canned Vegetables (carrots, potatoes, beets, spinach, collard greens) 

Mashed Potatoes

Canned Fish (tuna, salmon) 

Boxed Pasta (no macaroni needed at this time) 

Pasta Sauce (no glass jars) 

Note - We have an abundant amount of canned green beans, stuffing, and condensed chicken noodle and tomato soup. If purchasing items to donate for our markets, we kindly request you not purchase/donate these items. 

Toiletries and Household Items: 

Toilet Paper

Baby Wipes

Body Wash

Bar Soap 

Toothpaste 

Body Lotion

Shaving Cream (full size) and Disposable Razors 

Pull-ups size 4T/5

As a reminder, we accept food and toiletry donations Monday - Friday 8-10 am at 4511 

Daly Drive Suite H (Back Door) and on the second Saturday monthly 9-11 am.

Other WFCM needs:

WFCM provides more than food to our neighbors – they also provide direct financial assistance for rent as well as other support programs to help families become self-sufficient. All of these activities are funding by financial donations.

How YOU can help:

1.  Place needed items into the cart at Pender for weekly delivery to WFCM

2.  Provide a monetary donation through Pender by designating WFCM on your check or on-line giving. 

3.  Order from Amazon for direct delivery to WFCM at 4511 Daly Drive, Suite H, Chantilly, VA 20151 (Amazon is best for heavy items.)

4.  Donate your time by volunteering in the Food Pantry or another of their many services.

To learn more, click here to link to the WFCM website. www.wfcmva.org​

If you have any questions, please contact Becky Bryan, the Pender coordinator with WFCM. 

Registration is now open for
the 3rd Walk to End Hunger and Fellowship

Breakfast on Saturday October 17, 2026. The Walk to End Hunger is part of the Centreville Day Parade. 

Sign up today for the breakfast, walk, or both! 

​

Date: October 17

Breakfast: 8:45-10am

Walk to End Hunger: 10:45-11:30am 

The Fellowship Breakfast will feature a hearty meal including pancakes, eggs, crispy potatoes, and breakfast meat. Families can enjoy having their faces painted while we eat, chat, and hear WFCM updates. ​​The Walk to End Hunger is a one-mile family-friendly walk at the end of the Centreville Day Parade to raise awareness about food insecurity in our communities and ​raise funds for our Free Food Markets in Chantilly and Centreville. To learn more about Centreville Day activities, visit historiccentrevilleva.org. 

​

New this year, WFCM participants will have our own shuttle buses between the breakfast location and Centreville Day. While you may register for the breakfast only or walk only, we encourage you to join us for both. If you are concerned about walking the full mile in the parade, you may take the WFCM shuttle and watch the parade, with minimal walking to and from the shuttle drop-off location.

​

Also new this year, instead of a virtual auction WFCM will offer a raffle for dining gift cards for registered participants. Each Adult/Youth registered participant will receive one raffle ticket. You can purchase additional raffle tickets when signing up for the breakfast and or walk online. All prizes are valued at $100+. Limit one prize per person. Raffle ticket sales are tax deductible less the value of any prize won. Raffle sales end October 14th prior to the breakfast and walk. ​

​

All walkers must register by Friday September 18th to receive a t-shirt. 

The parade route is officially .92 miles. the walk will not be timed. Children in strollers are welcome. For safety reasons, please no headphones/ear buds, pets, bicycles, or skates. 

WFCM chartered shuttles will depart from Centreville Day at 1:00pm. Further instructions about the location of the breakfast, walk, parking, and shuttles will be provided to registered participants. 

​ All walkers must submit a signed waiver of liability. Please return completed forms to donorsupport@wfcmva.org Note: If you participated in the 2024 or 2025 Walk to End Hunger, a new waiver is not required.

Established in 1993, Washington Soloist Ensemble has been an integral part of the Korean diaspora that has represented Korean culture in the United States through music. The group has performed in numerous key events over the years including the Centennial of Korean Immigration to the United States. By harmonizing the choral artistry of Korea and the United States, the group’s music resonates with the heart and leaves a lasting impression.

Concert Day: Saturday, October 17, 2026 from 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Stewardship is about more than weekly donations. It is a demonstration of your trust, gratitude, and commitment to the Lord Almighty. 

In the weeks ahead, you will hear more about Stewardship and upcoming events relating to Consecration Sunday. 

Take some quiet time through bible study and heartfelt prayer to discern God’s will in your life. 

During this time, we appreciate your continued generosity in providing your weekly tithes and offerings.

As of June 30, 2026:



MTD actual revenue was $44,396;  YTD actual revenue was $266,025;

MTD actual expenses was $52,762; YTD actual expenses was $309,141;

MTD net loss was ($8,366);      YTD net loss was ($43,116).

Our First Responders need bottled water!

Lend a helping hand to our local heroes by contributing to the Pender Police Rest Stop! We are collecting a variety of items that our officers greatly appreciate during their shifts. You can drop off your donations at the church office, clearly marked "Rest Stop."

Here’s what our officers are currently enjoying:

• Celsius Energy Drinks to keep them energized
• Drizzilicious Rice Cakes for a light snack
• A variety of chips for that perfect crunch

Additionally, we're always in need of:

• Full-size water bottles (Please note: the 4oz bottles are not utilized)
• Refreshing beverages like seltzers, Gatorade, Propel, Aspire, and other energy drinks
• Individual-sized snacks such as potato chips, jerky, cookies, and nuts

Your contributions make a real difference in the daily routines of our police officers, providing them with the sustenance and morale boost they need to keep our community safe.

Drop by with your contributions and show your support!

The Pender Medical Closet Back!

Ruth Circle has restarted Pender's Medical Closet—a valuable resource we had years ago, and one that our community needs again! This lending library of medical equipment will provide wheelchairs, walkers, ice machines, canes and other essential items to those who need them, free of charge.

Here’s how you can help:

✅ Donate gently used medical equipment.

✅ Lend equipment you’re not currently using but may need in the future.

✅ Borrow items if you or a loved one has a temporary need.

Drop-off & Pick-up: Donations and borrowed equipment must be brought to and picked up from the church.

Sign-up Sheet: A log is available in the office to track donations and checkouts. Find it on MaryO's door.

For questions, donations, or lending, please call Roberta Pont.

Our goal is to support our church family and community by making these resources available to those in need.

Thank you for helping us bring this important ministry back to life!

Right now we have:

• A motorized scooter
• Nasal Mask
• Electric Wheelchair
• Wheelchairs
• Three rolling walkers
• A cane with built in seat
• Rolling walker with basket
• Canes and crutches
• A variety of braces for back, knee, leg and wrist
• Blood Pressure Monitors
• Polar Active Ice Therapy
• Wedge pillow - good for backs and after knee surgery
• Treadmill
• Low exercise bike. Contact Roberta for help moving this - there's a truck available.

On Loan:

• Two Wheelchairs
• Rolling Walker

Pender is an open and welcoming church. We accept and embrace all persons, period. All people are blessed children of God. Pender is a caring and praying church community; we believe as Christians that we are called to follow and practice the ways of Jesus Christ, who is our ever present and living God.

Our mission is to practice and embrace, providing unconditional love and acceptance of all of God's children as He loves and accepts all of us.

We do not discriminate based on age, mental, physical, or intellectual ability, culture, gender, race, religious belief or unbelief, or sexual orientation.